Hello All - I am taking the family (husband and 3 kids ages 7, 9, 11)to Italy the second half of next April. Our itinerary is - <BR>Rome - 7 nights <BR>Pienza - 3 nights <BR>Siena - 4 nights <BR>Venice - 4 nights <BR>My question is, from Pienza would you recommend a day trip to Cortona/Arezzo or Chiusi/Orvieto. The distances look about the same. Our interests are history, art, and scenery. We already have a day planned to some other towns just outside of Pienza. This may seem like over-planning to most of you, but with 3 kids it is often best to have a set agenda. You can always opt not to go. Thanks for any help. <BR>Sue

Sheesh, Sue, that's about the toughest question anyone has posed in a long time. I would be tempted to forego some of the others and concentrate on these two pairs, but I am prejudiced. But if you had to choose, I would lean toward Chiusi and Orvieto, especially given that you have children with you. Chiusi, for me, has one of my favorite Etruscan museums in Italy, small but certainly impressive. I was there 12 years ago, and I still have framed postcards of some of the pieces in the museums. The tombs are cool, too, especially for children. Orvieto would be a great place for all of you. <BR> <BR>I could say the same about Cortona. The reason the first pair got my nod is that Arezzo isn't for everyone, although it is one of my favorites. It is more somber, it's charm more hidden. You have to go back several times, although the newly restored Piero frescoes in San Francesco would astonish even the most jaded of tastes. <BR> <BR>Either way, you have chosen a great pair of towns. <BR> <BR>

Omigod. I used "it's" for "its." Sono colpevole. Mea culpa.

Wow--what a cool trip with lots of time to enjoy. Why would you not do Orvieto enroute from Rome--an easy stop? <BR> <BR>I assume you already have the local stops planned. Do not miss Mt. Oliveto Maggiore and Montalcino and then down to St. Antimo. April will be a great time to enjoy this region. How did you get the kids out of school for 18 nites in Italia? Good luck !

Chiusi - I found it an appealing small town; the cathedral is interesting for a short visit. I like the Etruscan museum, as well, but as I recall, the signs were all in Italian. If you're considering a visit to an Etruscan museum, I think the one in Volterra (if you're going there) is better, and I think at least some of their signs were in English. <BR> <BR>Orvieto - The cathedral is awesome, the town fun to walk through. There are some restaurants there that are built, cave-like, right into the tuffa cliffs on which the town is built. The kids would probably like that. <BR> <BR>Cortona - Appealing town. It was fun to people-watch in the main square. The cathedral was interesting, and I think we like (but not loved) the museum we visited there. The church at the top of town (can't remember the name) was dull and not really worth the long walk up, though that walk itself was interesting and gorgeous. <BR> <BR>I've never been to Arezzo, so I can't help you there. <BR> <BR>I guess I'd probably choose Chiusi/Orvieto.

Thanks everyone. Bob - the kids are homeschooled so you can consider the travel itself part of their learning experience. Our history this year is Ancient Rome, so maybe Orvieto/Chiusi is best. Any other opinions are welcome.

Sue, <BR>It would be difficult to go wrong with either of your choices, tho I, too, would vote for Chiusi/Orvieto as that brings a little more variety into your experiences. (Not that Arezzo/Cortona are exactly like Pienza/Siena, but their similarities are not that different--to mangle Yogi B.) <BR> <BR>In addition, I'd like to suggest you might want to look into the Parco dei Monstri at Bomarzo (near Viterbo) as a possible stop on the way up from Rome. It is a wonderful enchanted forest with gigantic sculptures and follies and figures from mythology and fantasy--built for the bereaved (deranged?) Count Orsini in mid 1500s by the architect who finished St. Peter's after Michaelangelo's demise. It's a nice break to stretch your legs and really a delightful discovery for kids of all ages. (We've picnicked there.) Should be in guidebooks or hit a search engine for better details (there are educational and historically signifiacnt aspects) if you are interested. Your trip sounds divine!

If you're going to take the kids to Orvieto, be sure to take the underground tour. They will learn some history they will never forget. Stop in the Tourist office for tickets and times. E-mail me direct if you'd like more info, Annabelle

Our sons, ages 11 and 14, enjoyed our visit to Chiusi. We toured the Labyrinth of Porsena with a delightful young man (not much older than my sons) as our guide. He knew a little more English than we knew Italian, but our efforts to communicate were an enjoyable experience for all of us. We also climbed to the top of the cathedral bell tower for great views of the gorgeous countryside. We toured the Etruscan museum and while there purchased tickets to tour several Etruscan tombs on the outskirts of Chiusi. These are guided tours so you would probably want to call ahead to find out about making reservations. We all thought seeing the tombs was fascinating. <BR> <BR>One of our most favorite meals in Italy was in Chiusi at La Solita Zuppa. Our children (and we) were so impressed with the welcoming ambience and the delicious food.

topping for Cortona info